Brad Pitt, trapped in an endless battle for joint custody of his three youngest children with ex-spouse Angelina Jolie, is privately acknowledging defeat, according to insiders. Yet, the Hollywood heartthrob remains committed to prolonging the fight, sources indicate.
Pitt, 59, and his 48-year-old ex-wife, have been embroiled in a contentious dispute over their six children since the dissolution of their marriage in 2016. In that time, their adopted children—Maddox, 21, Pax, 19, and Zahara, 18—have all reached adulthood. Now, according to friends, the Oscar-winning star concedes that Jolie has effectively succeeded in controlling the custody narrative of their biological children—Shiloh, 17, and twins Knox and Vivienne, who celebrate their 15th birthday this month.
"A close friend quotes Brad as saying that it's the most challenging ordeal he's ever confronted," shares a source. "He had hoped for 50 percent custody but has only seen about 10 percent in reality. He recognizes it's an uphill battle now."
Throughout their split, Jolie has alleged that Pitt's volatile behavior precipitated the end of their union and fractured their family. She made serious accusations about an incident on a private flight just before their split, alleging that Pitt physically assaulted her and Maddox when he tried to intervene. A subsequent legal investigation, however, did not corroborate her claims.
In a significant development in May 2021, Pitt secured a 50/50 custody agreement through a private judge's ruling. However, only eight weeks later, Jolie had the ruling revoked and maintained primary custody.
Despite the bleak outlook, sources close to Pitt insist that the Fight Club actor remains committed to the cause. "He wished to shield his children from this turmoil, but he wants them to understand, particularly as they mature, that he battled for their interests to the very end," the friend remarked.
Jolie, on the other hand, maintains her position that "Brad was falling short as a father," citing alleged substance abuse and violent tendencies, the insider noted.
Despite knowing that a significant section of the public views her as the antagonist in light of Pitt's popularity, the source shared, "Angelina stood her ground regardless."
Globe reported on the source's comments.